Belshazzar vs Berenice IV

Belshazzar was appointed co-regent by his father Nabonidus, who spent much of his reign in the Arabian oasis of Tayma. Belshazzar effectively ruled Babylon from the capital, managing administration and defense.

Cyrus the Great's Persian army captured Babylon. Belshazzar, co-regent with his father Nabonidus, was killed during the conquest. This event ended Neo-Babylonian independence and incorporated it into the Achaemenid Empire.

According to the biblical Book of Daniel, during a feast, a mysterious hand wrote a prophecy on the wall of Belshazzar's palace. Daniel interpreted the writing as a divine judgment predicting Babylon's fall, which occurred that night.

Berenice IV became queen of Egypt after her father Ptolemy XII Auletes was driven out by a popular revolt. She ruled as sole monarch, co-opting her sister Cleopatra VI Tryphaena as co-ruler. Her reign was marked by political instability and conflict with Rome.

Berenice IV married Archelaus, a high priest of Comana in Cappadocia, to strengthen her position. The marriage was opposed by Rome, which supported her father Ptolemy XII. This act further strained relations with the Roman Republic.

After Ptolemy XII Auletes was restored to the throne with Roman military support, he ordered the execution of Berenice IV. She was killed for her usurpation and opposition to his rule. Her death ended her brief reign and consolidated Ptolemy XII's power.